Larmandier-Bernier : Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2012

Rich and complex, a seductive Blanc de Blancs vintage champagne

The estate

Located in the Côte des Blancs, the Larmandier-Bernier Champagne House has been cultivating vines for more than 8 generations. Since 1988, Pierre Larmandier has been at the head of the 16-hectare family-owned estate and works towards producing exceptional vintages that authentically express the purity of the Champagne terroirs.

The vines are 35 years old on average and have been cultivated using biodynamic practices and with the utmost respect for the terroir for over 20 years. The choice to eliminate chemical products and to practice ploughing, use indigenous yeasts and carry out long ageing on lees in casks and wooden barrels confers to Larmandier-Bernier wines a rare and unique minerality and expression of terroir.

The wine

Larmandier-Bernier's Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2012 is made from an exceptional south-eastern terroir located at Cramant in Champagne. The eastern exposure, on the sunny side, enhances the rich aromatic palette and the powerful expression of the grapes. Between 56 and 80 years old, these old vines benefit from a deep rooting and a diversity of old vines, ideal conditions to give this champagne a unique complexity.

Vinification and ageing

Over the course of its development, this Blanc de Blancs champagne was given a gentle pressing before settling and racking. Natural alcoholic fermentation then malolactic fermentation in barrels and tuns, as well as the first year of ageing on lees. Following the bottling, without undergoing the blending process as it is a vintage champagne, additional ageing for at least 7 to 8 years in bottle is carried out in the coolness of the house’s cellars. Disgorgement is carried out 6 months before being released onto the market. The dosage of this Extra Brut champagne is 2 g/litre.

Blend

Chardonnay (100%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2012 from Larmandier-Bernier

Tasting

This vintage Blancs de Blancs champagne entices with its intensity, complexity and exceptional length.

Food and wine pairing

Enjoy as an aperitif, this Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2012 by Larmandier-Bernier will complement poultry with morel mushrooms or creamy dishes.

Storage

Enjoy today, this champagne can be cellared for a minimum of 2 years in order to develop its full range of aromas.